A DIY Refresher in Honor of ‘Trading Spaces’ Return

By Sara Butler

Have you seen that Trading Spaces is back on television? I spent many afternoons watching this show in college learning from designer Vern Yip when I should have been in class learning from my professors. I think it made an impression in my youth because I’m no stranger to DIY projects around my own home (where I’m an adult). In fact, I just spent a week painting my kitchen cabinets, then another week recovering from the strained muscles in my back, neck, and arms from painting so many kitchen cabinets.

Home improvement projects can be deceiving. At first glance, they look easy. After all, slapping some new paint on the walls or planting a rain garden may not seem like a big deal, but once you’re done -- crying out every time you try to get up from the couch -- you realize just how wrong you were.

At The Joint Chiropractic, we support your home improvement projects -- by supporting a healthy spine and body. Here are a few of the DIY tips you should follow to help you avoid injury and stay exactly how your chiropractor likes you -- healthy and with all your fingers and toes.

The Facts

Each year, intrepid homeowners try to complete DIY projects in their home. And each year, a lot of injuries occur. According to the National Institutes of Health, every year:

• More than 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries
• 7,500 people are injured by using power tools
• 569,000 people are injured when moving heavy objects such as furniture

Let’s try to keep you from being among those numbers!

On a Ladder

Ladders are essential for many home improvement projects unless you’re unusually tall. But I’d venture to guess even tall people, including Carter Oosterhouse, need the assistance of a ladder from time to time.

When using a ladder, make sure to:

• Place it on an even, dry, and firm surface
• Keep the center of your body between the frame
• Never reach or lean too far to the side

When Using Power Tools

Who doesn’t love a good power tool? They make you feel quite … powerful, like Ty Pennington. But when using power tools, you should make sure to:

• Keep your posture natural
• Keep the tools in good working order with clean, sharp blades

The most important thing to remember about power tools is to keep a loose, natural posture. An unnatural position can make you exert extra force, making it more likely you’ll get injured.

Lifting

Lifting is something you probably do every day and definitely something you do for DIY projects -- but are you doing it the right way? When lifting, make sure to:

• Get help when something is too heavy or awkward to lift alone
• Keep the object close to your body
• Lift with the power of your hips and legs, never your back
• Squat to lift the object and set it back down
• Pivot your feet when turning instead of twisting at the waist

Lifting is a great way to injure yourself any time, so make sure to follow these tips to help you stay healthy!

A Few More DIY Tips

Look, the chiropractors at The Joint aren’t DIY experts, so they can’t guarantee you’ll never get hurt during your home improvement project. But following these tips can help. A few other tips to remember when embarking on your DIY adventure:

• Wear the right gear - You need good shoes (maybe even steel toes!), protective eyewear, a hard hat, ear plugs, and clothes that protect your skin.
• Warm up - Doing projects around the home is exercise, so do a few exercises to get the blood pumping to your muscles before you start. Stretches before and after are a good idea too!
• Take your time - Your home isn’t going anywhere, so don’t rush it. Rushing can cause you to get sloppy and that’s when injuries and accidents can occur. They don’t recommend you measure twice and cut once without good cause.

In order to remain as cheerful as Paige Davis, make sure to see the chiropractors at The Joint regularly to help you stay healthy and recover from your latest DIY disaster project!

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.